2023 first-round draft pick refuses to come play in North America in the AHL

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William Austin
August 10, 2024 (11:00)

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Mikhail Gulyayev, the Colorado Avalanche's recent first-round pick, has stated he will not report to the American Hockey League (AHL).

Mikhail Gulyayev, selected 31st overall in the 2023 draft-a pick acquired from the Montreal Canadiens in exchange for Alex Newhook-has made it clear that he wants to play exclusively in the NHL and not in the AHL.

«My path to the NHL is to come and play right away. I'm pursuing my dream and am not interested in anything else. I'm not against the AHL; it's a good league, but if I go to America to play, I will only play in the NHL.»

- Mikhail Gulyayev

Mikhail Gulyayev, a 19-year-old defenseman, signed a contract extension with his KHL team, keeping him in Russia until the end of the 2026 season. This means the Avalanche will not control his development until he chooses to come to North America.

In the Alex Newhook trade, the Canadiens also acquired Ethan Gauthier, while Mikhail Gulyayev was selected by the Colorado Avalanche. A 19-year-old winger, Ethan Gauthier, had a standout season with 71 points in 64 QMJHL games. Alex Newhook, meanwhile, contributed 34 points in 55 NHL games with the Montreal Canadiens last season.

«In a new interview with RGSafePlay, Avalanche first-round pick Mikhail Gulyayev made it clear that he's taking his time to make it to the NHL, the only North American league he wants to play in.»

- Evan Rawal

Source: HabsolumentFan
Un choix de 1ère ronde de l'Avalanche ne veut rien savoir d'aller jouer dans la Ligue américaine